Even with the huge loss of running back Travis Stephens to the NFL, fans of the Tennessee Volunteers shouldn't lose a moment's sleep when contemplating UT's ability to successfully run the football this season.

	Kelley Washington was Tennessee's leading WR in 2001, catching 64 passes for 1,010 yards and five TDs. Injuries slowed him in '02.

Phillip Fulmer's squad has historically been well-fortified at running back, and 2002 will be no exception. Not only is bruising powerhouse Jabari Davis available for duty, but the Vols also can work in talented Cedric Houston and versatile 226-pounder Troy Fleming. And don't forget about the Vols' top recruit, Gerald Riggs Jr., one of the nation's elite players at any position.

With Fleming, the plan is not only to work him as the starting fullback, but also to utilize his talents in the Vols' one-back set. Because the Vols have both depth and talent available in the backfield, Derrick Tinsley could make the switch from tailback to wide receiver. They experimented with him at receiver during the latter stages of spring practice.

And if there is a concern on offense, it is at wide receiver. The early exit of big-play man Donte' Stallworth created a huge void. Had Stallworth returned, he would have teamed with gifted sophomore Kelley Washington to give the Vols the top receiving tandem in college football. Now, it will be up to Leonard Scott, who has made plenty of noise as a kick returner in the SEC, to step up as the starter opposite Washington.

As for depth, sophomores Montrell Jones and Tony Brown are talented but unproven, although Brown was named the Vols' Most Improved Offensive Player in the spring. The aforementioned Tinsley could also become a factor in the pass offense if he makes the permanent shift from running back to receiver.

While Washington will be the focal point of the Vols' passing attack and the primary weapon for top-flight junior signal-caller Casey Clausen, don't underestimate what junior tight end Jason Witten means to the Vols' attack. You could certainly make a strong case that he's one of the top two or three tight ends in college football.

Up front, the Vols are in great shape, despite the loss of offensive tackle Reggie Coleman and offensive guard Fred Weary to graduation. Returning from the injury list are former starters Michael Munoz and Jason Respert. Munoz, who will be stationed at left tackle, missed all of the 2001 season with a knee injury. Respert, who saw action in the first three games last year before going down with an ankle injury, will open as the Vols' starting left guard.

The only senior starter along the UT offensive line will be huge 6-foot-7, 315-pound right tackle Will Ofenheusle. Former starters Anthony Herrera (RG) and Sean Young (LT) are now providing top quality depth.

Defensively, the front four has to be a huge area of concern. Sure, the six top players, led by defensive ends Constantin Ritzman and Omari Hand and defensive tackles Edward Kendrick, Aubrayo Franklin, Rashad Moore and Demetrin Veal, are all seniors and have plenty of ability, but you can't replace overnight the likes of Albert Haynesworth, John Henderson, Will Overstreet and Bernard Jackson.

With blue chippers returning such as outside linebackers Eddie Moore and Kevin Burnett and strong safety/cornerback Julian Battle, as well as the return from the injury list of left cornerback Willie Miles (out last year with a wrist injury), the Vols' back seven on defense should be outstanding.